Updated:: Nov 7, 2018
Original:: Aug 21, 2008

How to Pray as a Christian

In Christianity, prayer can be both a thanksgiving for God’s goodness and a cry for God’s help. Method and language matter less than openness and honesty, since prayer should be a conversation between you and God.

Instructions

Step 1: Ask God to be with you Start by asking God to be with you.
Step 2: Give thanks Recall those things for which you are most grateful.
TIP: You may express thanks for your family and health or much smaller things, like the meal you just shared with a friend or the joy you felt at seeing the sun after a rainstorm.
Step 3: Replay events Replay the events of the day or past several days, almost like a movie, taking note of where you accepted Jesus’s invitation and where you didn't.
TIP: A good time to pray is often at night, when things are usually calmer and you can look back on the day that’s just come to a close.
Step 4: Pray for others Think of other people you want to pray for.
Step 5: Pray for yourself Do not hesitate to pray for yourself by requesting help from Jesus.
Step 6: Ask for forgiveness Ask for forgiveness for your sins.
Step 7: Ask for the grace of God Ask for the grace of God to accompany you the next day.
FACT: In a poll conducted by U.S. News and World Report and Beliefnet.com, 75.8 percent of Christians said they feel it helps when someone prays for them.